US President Donald Trump’s unpredictability has boosted interest in national news. Separately, the New York Times media group reported a rise in subscriptions on Wednesday.

Daytime ratings at CNN are up 21% in the key 25-54 demographic, Time Warner said. The company also highlighted the audiences attracted by comedy news shows such as Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.

Image copyrightAFPImage caption CNN says it is benefiting from a keener interest in US political news

Overall revenue increased 5.8% year-on-year to $7.7bn.

That was helped by Lego Batman and Kong: Skull Island movies, which together have grossed nearly $900m globally, according to tracking firm Box Office Mojo.

Higher subscription fees for its HBO cable channel and the Turner broadcast network, which includes CNN, also buoyed revenues, helping to offset a decline in advertising.

Time Warner last year announced it would be acquired by telecom giant AT&T. That deal is expected to close before the end of 2017.

The company recorded $82m in costs associated with the pending merger.